Ubiquitous positioning: Integrated GPS/wireless LAN positioning for wheelchair navigation system

Abstract

The location determination in obstructed area can be very challenging especially when the Global Positioning System is blocked. Disable users will find it difficult to navigate directly on-site in such condition, particularly in obstructed environment. Sometimes, it needs to integrate with other sensors and positioning methods in order to determine the location with more intelligent, reliable and ubiquity. By using ubiquitous positioning, it provides the location technique inside the wheelchair navigation system that needed for disable people. In this paper, we utilizes the integration of wireless local area network and the Global Positioning System which receive signal strength from access point and at the same time, it retrieve Global Navigation System Satellite signal. This positioning information will be switched based on type of environment in order to ensure the ubiquity of wheelchair navigation system. Finally, we present our results by illustrating the performance of the system for an indoor/outdoor environment set-up. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.